Friday, August 29, 2014

Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, Natural Remedies…What to take?!

With so many vitamins, minerals, and supplements available these days, it’s a bit overwhelming trying to decide what’s best for you. Every body has different needs, and not everyone will benefit from taking the same vitamin every day. Some studies have even said multi-vitamins aren’t doing what they claim to be doing for our bodies after all!
So how are we supposed to know what to take? 
The best advice is to see your primary care physician, who’s familiar with your personal health history, and have him or her run tests to see what nutrient levels you might need to increase.

In the meantime, Pilates Platinum has done some research and we want to share what we’ve learned with our readers. Certain vitamins are definitely worth taking, especially for people with specific conditions. Read on for our picks, and why:

Vitamin D
Adults who take Vitamin D supplements can reduce their chance of catching the flu, and can also improve bone health.  Most adults are deficient in Vitamin D, so check with your physician to the appropriate dosage, or catch 10-20 minutes of rays a day!

Zinc
Unlike Vitamin C, which might not actually treat the common cold, Zinc has proven to do wonders! This mineral is involved in different aspects of your cellular metabolism and actually interferes with the “replication of rhinoviruses, the microbes that cause the common cold”. So if you feel a cold coming on, avoid popping several Vitamin C’s, and suck on a zinc lozenge instead to see results!

Probiotics
The trillion of bacterial cells that live inside of us are crucial! It’s important to replenish your body’s bacterial levels, especially after taking antibiotics. Replenish your system with a probiotic supplement, or by eating a food naturally rich in probiotics like yogurt. It’s not necessary to take everyday, but Probiotics have proven to be effective in circumstances where you need to get your digestive system back on track.


Niacin, or Vitamin B3
Said to be an overall “cure” for conditions like high cholesterol and even chronic headaches! Talk to your doctor first- especially if heart disease runs in your family. A prescription-strength dose is needed for results.

Garlic

Yes- yummy, fragrant garlic to the rescue! Garlic is an effective herbal remedy for high blood pressure, among other things. Taking a garlic supplement, or increasing the amount of garlic in your recipes, has shown to help reduce high blood pressure in adults. So before you turn to meds, give this natural option a try!

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Doggie Dining in LA

Did you know that yesterday, August 26th, was National Dog Day? In honor of yesterday’s holiday, Pilates Platinum did some digging to find some of the best dog-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles. Just because National Dog Day is over doesn’t mean you can’t take your pup to enjoy these last weeks of summer with some al fresco dining!

Read on for our recommendations,
and schedule a double date with your pooch!

(Venice)
This new West Side spot is quickly becoming one of our regulars! It’s a perfect place for brunch on the weekends, and lunch or dinners inside and outside on the cozy patio. Don’t miss their cold brewed coffee with their homemade hazelnut milk!! And don’t leave your leashed friend at home- there’s plenty of space outside for dogs, and a even some house-made dog treats on the menu as well!

(Los Feliz and Silverlake)
Home is one of our go-to restaurants on the East Side of LA. With a super dog-friendly staff, great specials for brunch, and an amazing (and healthy) menu, you and your dog will feel right at...Home! Plus, doggies get free, organic, homemade treats and their very own water bowl. There’s plenty of shaded seating in the courtyard too.

(Hollywood)
The Cat & Fiddle is a Hollywood staple. In fact, it recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, and remains one of the only family-run Hollywood institutions. You can read more about The Cat & Fiddle’s history on their website, but in the meantime, here are the puppy perks: secluded and shaded patio/courtyard, water bowl for your pup, and a dogs-only menu featuring sausages, chicken and rice, a burger, and other small doggie treats!

(Mid Wilshire and Santa Monica)
There’s nothing too different about Blue Plate’s dog service- but we love this new 3rd street location so much and are happy they offer a dog-friendly patio so we can enjoy our dinner without the guilt of leaving our pup at home! The patios are cooled with fans and are covered from the sun, and the waiters do a stellar job at keeping our 4-legged friends hydrated.

(West Hollywood)
Perfect for happy hour, dinner and brunch, this upscale West Hollywood spot loves to serve you and your pups. Relax in the shade under the trees while your pup hangs in the faux-grass on the patio. There are plenty of food and drink options for your, and your doggie friend can choose between flat or sparkling water in his or her very own fancy water bowl.



PP Owner Heather Dorak's little pup, Sadie :)

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Skoop: SUPER SIMPLE SUPERFOODS

The Pilates Platinum team is happy to let our readers in on a special secret superfood treatà 
What’s Skoop? Well, let’s just say it’s a brand that brings us secret weapons to help unleash the Super Versions of ourselves. We all strive to be Supermen and Superwomen, but oftentimes we fuel our bodies with sugar and caffeine, which in the end actually leave us feeling more tired and run down.
What our bodies really need is a combination of
Macronutrients
(Fats, Carbs, and Proteins)
Micronutrients
(Vitamins, and Minerals)
&
Phytonutrients
(Nutrients only found in plants)

Skoop has partnered with organic farmers, nutritionists, and doctors with a like-minded mission: “Make Superfoods super simple. For ourselves. And for you.”

Skoop’s Superfoods puts critical Micronutrients and Phytonutrients into your system to “assist your body in digesting food, moving muscle, growing new tissue, healing wounds, and squeezing the most out of that energy from carbs, fats, and proteins.”

-Say no to G.M.O.! Skopp stays away from any ingredients produced using biotechnology.
-Gluten-Free goodness! One of Skoop’s founders has Celiac Disease so the company understands the need for Gluten-Free products. Enjoy Skoop without Gluten.
-Skoop products are Plant Based If you’re looking for phytonutrients, it’s the only place you will find them!

Skoop to start your morning off right!
Here’s what you need to know:
1.     Scoop the Skoop that’s right for you: A-Game, B-Lovely, or B-Strong
2.     Shake up your scoop of Skoop
3.     Savor the flavor, and savor that feeling all day long

3 products, with endless ways to incorporate the Skoops into your morning routine.
A-Game (our fav flavor is Sweetgreens!)

-The simplest way to put the complete benefits of Superfoods to work for you
-41 obsessively researched ingredients that have been formulated to maximize nutrient synergies
-Surprisingly tasty, nutrient dense Superfood powder – rich with antioxidants, probiotics and adaptogenic herbs that reduce inflammation and acidic build-up, increase energy and resilience, and supercharge your immune system's ability to fight disease
-A-Game is a full packet of phytonutrient goodness

B-Lovely (our fav flavor is Renewberry!)
-B-Lovely for healthy skin, hair and nails
-A blend of seeds, fruits, veggies and Japanese Fleece Flower to protect, support and nourish your skin
-Resveratrol combats oxidative stress for a healthy glow, while anthocyanins fortify blood vessel walls and improve circulation, and alpha linolenic acid helps repair damaged collagen
-Beauty on a cellular level

B-Strong (our fav flavor is Viva-Nilla!)

-Formulated for plantheads, meatheads and everyone in between
-one serving = 16 grams of plant-based protein, including essential and non-essential amino acids
-With vitamins, minerals, prebiotic fibers and Omega-3, 6, & 9 fatty acids, it’s protein for the masses, not just the massive


HOW WE LIKE IT:

Skoop’s G-Game + Almond Milk is the most popular (and most tasty!) drink the brand offers.  Just pour 8 ounces of almond milk into your Skoop A-Game package and you’ll get the nutrients equivalent to 10 servings of super fruits and super vegetables!

Another yummy option is Skoop + Chocolate Milk! Simply mix a Skoop packet with chocoloate milk for any chocolating-loving picky eater.

In a hurry and have an empty fridge? A-Game tastes great and is just as healthy mixed with a glass of water.  Simply start your Skoop with Skoop + H20!

Oatmeal fan? Skoop + Oatmeal creates a super-food super-bowl of oatmeal anywhere.
 
Whatever concoction you come up with, you’ll benefit from starting your day off with Skoop.


Take the 5-Day Challenge! Try Skoop for 5 days straight, and if you don’t begin to feel a difference, Skoop will refund your purchase! Shop HERE.

Friday, August 15, 2014

Get Outside!

It’s been quite a busy summer for the Pilates Platinum team— we’ve introduced new trainers, created at-home outdoor workouts, gone on vacations packed with outdoor activities, and experienced some wild adventures in the mountains. We’ve even made new friends while rappelling cliffs! The entire team has kept this summer and active one, and we’ve had a blast playing outdoors as much as possible.

Summer’s not officially over… so we hope you’re inspired by today’s post on how we’ve been spending our days (and nights) OUTSIDE. Hopefully you and your family can find a way to enjoy these last few weeks of summer by Getting Outside!

Here’s our PP recap of July and August, and our most favorite 
"Get Outside" moments!
Pilates Platinum Trainers Heather Dorak, Stefanie Hasbany, and Lindsay Whitley show us how to have a happy hike high above Los Angeles!

Pilates Platinum's very own Heather Dorak striking a pose mid-hike in Colorado!
Heather and the running group at this summer's Revitalize summit with Mind Body Green after a 5 mile 6:30am run!
Rooftop yoga with a beach view! #GetOutside
Pilates Platinum Trainer Celine Wallace showing off her toned pilates legs pool-side, taking her day off  into the sun!
Pilates Platinum Trainers and Members spending a Friday night on the lawn enjoying live jazz music at LACMA!
Trainer Celine Wallace taking yoga to the park!

Owner Heather Dorak's view during a New York City run!









Sunday, August 10, 2014

Welcome Ashley Maher!

Pilates Platinum is excited to welcome Ashely Maher, our newest instructor, to the team! Ashley joins us straight from New York City's competitive ballet and pilates scene. Known for her killer oblique and tush-toning workouts, her classes are sure to bring on a new burn!

Enjoy the interview below to get to know Ashley a little better, and catch her classes starting this week!

Welcome to the team, Ashley!
PP- How were you introduced to Pilates on the Megaformer?

AM- I was first introduced to pilates through being a ballet dancer.  We did pilates as rehabilitation and to keep up our strength during off seasons.  I had been teaching floor pilates for years but was craving a workout that was a bit more intense and upbeat.  A client of mine owned a megaformer studio and asked me to teach.  I fell in love straight away.
PP- What brings you to Pilates Platinum?

AM- I have just moved to Los Angeles and had heard great things about Pilates Platinum.  I took one class at the Venice location and knew right away it would be a good fit.

PP- What are some of your go-to Pilates moves? And what’s your all-time favorite Lagree Fitness exercise?

AM- I am a bit oblique and butt obsessed.  I think you get easy results working those areas.  So, I love teasers and french twists for obliques and scrambled egg variations for the glutes!

PP- Favorite type of apparel to wear while working out?

AM- Seeing that I usually teach a lot of classes I live in workout clothes.  Therefore, anything too tight for too long is out.  Comfort is preferred.  I love really short shorts.

PP- What are you most likely up to if you're not in the studios? (other activities, hobbies, groups, classes, jobs…etc.)

AM- I spent 20 years of my life being a ballet dancer.  I am studying some natural healing methods and love anything to do with being in our bodies. This phase in my life now is all about quality of life and enjoyment.  I am a total foodie and pretty laid back.  I love spending time with friends and my lovely boyfriend.  Growing vegetables, exercising, listening to live music and traveling.  Oh and I am a hopeful biplane pilot.  Haven't fulfilled this dream yet, but I will soon!

PP- Who is your favorite singer, band, or musician?

AM- Well not to be biased but my favorite thing in the world is watching my boyfriend perform.  He has a band with his brother called "The Kin."  They are truly amazing and I am really proud of all of their success.  Cheesy but true.

PP- What’s the most exciting trip you’ve been on? Or, where would you love to travel to next and why?

AM- I have been fortunate to travel to some amazing places but if pressed to pick I would say Iceland.  We just had a blast.  Such out of this world landscapes that were so remote that you were the only ones there.  Hiking up the sides of waterfalls and roaming to random hot springs in the middle of nowhere.  Truly magical.

PP- Who or what inspires you?

AM- I have an amazing healer that I have seen for years.  His name is Jei Atacama.  He has completely transformed my understanding of life and is always inspiring me to live my truest life.  He is a blessing and a dear friend.

PP- What’s the best song title to explain your teaching style?

AM- Hmmmm....lets go with Ellie Goulding's, "Burn".  Megaformer is definitely all about feeling the burn.

PP- If you had to describe Pilates in 3 words, what would they be?

AM- Full Body Workout.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Massages Improve Post-Workout Recovery--Discount Code for Pilates Platinum Clients!

Did you know that MASSAGES IMPROVE POST-WORKOUT RECOVERY? 

The next time you complete one of those killer pilates classes where you walk out saying “I’m going to be sore for days”, try getting a massage before the soreness kicks in! Even just a 10-minute massage improves your rebound time after an intense training session.
Post-workout massages not only decrease inflammation caused by exercise, but also turn up production of mitochondria in the muscles. Double bonus for those hard-working muscles.
Pilates Platinum clients are in luck—Desiree Bigelow, a certified in-home massage therapist based in Los Angeles, is offering a special discount for all massage appointments!

Desiree “combines the most enjoyable and effective elements of Swedish, Deep Tissue, Reflexology, and Shiatsu to tailor every treatment to each individual’s needs.” Born in Australia and raised in Japan, Desiree acquired her Massage license from California Healing Arts College in Santa Monica, and has been practicing in Los Angeles for the past 6 years.

Make a positive decision for yourself by booking an appointment!
Use code 
PilatesPlatinum 
to receive a 20% off discount.

desireebigelow@gmail.com
516.526.9771

Swedish
Reflexology
Deep Tissue
Shiatsu
Pregnancy

PP + Athleta + MindBodyGreen = FREE Class!

We’re a fan of Athleta.
We’re a fan of MindBodyGreen.
We’re also big fans of a FREE BOOTCAMP CLASS!

That makes this month’s Conscious Cardio Circuit a no-brainer!

We’re lucky to live in a city that has an abundance of fitness classes, activities, and workout options at our fingertips all year long—one of our favorite ways to take advantage of what LA has to offer is by participating in community workout classes!

We hope you can join Heather Dorak and the rest of the Pilates Platinum team for a FREE MINDFUL BOOTCAMP CLASS this Saturday. Details below.

SATURDAY AUGUST 9th
9:00AM
(arrive early—the first 40 people will receive a MindBodyGreen Goody Bag!!)

Athleta Old Town Pasadena
46 West Colorado Blvd.

BYOM (Bring Your Own Mat)

Can’t wait to see you there- just don’t forget your yoga mat! 

Friday, August 1, 2014

Make Someone’s Day

“Make someone’s day.” 

It sounds simple- and it IS simple. Make someone’s day with a small gesture, and you’ll reap the rewards by feeling happier yourself!

Research shows that people who connect with strangers throughout their day receive an instant mood boost. Does that mean giving away smiles is actually a selfish act?! The next time you cross paths with someone on your hiking route or your neighborhood sidewalk, say hi! The next time you’re walking in the market, smile genuinely at the people around you! Try making eye contact with strangers instead of looking down at your phone. Connect with your community! 
With a positive attitude, and a few happy gestures, you’ll be surprised at how easily you can make a big difference in the lives around you. After all, we’re all here in this big world together. J